Packers' Latest Move With Aaron Rodgers' Bonus Should Save Them Tons of Money For Extensions
The Green Bay Packers are making some serious money moves, as the team has restructured QB Aaron Rodgers' contract in order to create over $11 million in cap space for next season.
This restructuring will see almost three quarters of Rodgers' roster bonus for next season converted into a signing bonus, a classic salary cap swerving trick pioneered by the New England Patriots.
The Packers converted $14.26 million of Aaron Rodgers' $19.5 million roster bonus for 2020 into a signing bonus, ESPN's @FieldYates reported.
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) December 27, 2019
That allows the money to prorate over five seasons for cap purposes, including 2019. It created $11.4 million in 2020 cap space.
With this new found cap mobility, the team can now afford to dish out extensions to some of their key contributors, starting with stud defensive tackle Kenny Clark.
Given the extensions the Packers expect to sign in the coming months -- Kenny Clark chief among them -- this should help out significantly. https://t.co/nYODQRxWu9
— Jason B. Hirschhorn (@by_JBH) December 27, 2019
While Clark may seem to be priority No. 1 for this freed-up cash, the team may also look to spread their extra money around, as linebackers Blake Martinez and Kyler Fackrell, as well as starting RT Bryan Bulaga, are set to hit the open market this offseason. Regardless of what the Packers have planned for this extra cap space, the team can only benefit from this restructuring.
By allowing the team to restructure his deal, Rodgers is showing that he believes in the direction of this team and in the vision of the front office, a welcomed sign of solidarity, considering the previous narratives surrounding the future Hall of Fame quarterback.